By nature, cats are very clean animals. Probably, each of us saw a cat cleaning itself after breakfast or in the morning. If she has kittens, she takes care of each of them. But if the animal is near people, it needs to be taught the rules of hygiene in the house. The cat is unlikely to go to the litter on its own. The only option when the new residents of your apartment already know how to go to the toilet – if the kids saw this on the example of a mother cat.
A cat has appeared in your house
A beautiful, but sometimes playful animal, it can be stressful when it first arrives at the house. A big role is played by where you got the cat, as well as its age. Of course, the pet has to adapt for some time. But the question arises, what to do with his toilet? Moreover, in a new apartment, cats can get lost in the environment. Everything is new to them, and sometimes such novelty can either frighten or awaken curiosity. Therefore, you need to take care of the safety rules, remove all objects that carry a threat.
Before you bring the cat into the house, you need to check if there is everything you need. Such items and necessary goods can be a tray, food, bowls for food of good quality (preferably made of metal or ceramics). Don’t expect the kitten to go straight to the litter box. If your pet is young, stock up on diapers. It is possible to train kittens to go to the toilet on the tray, but it is recommended to do this after reaching 2-3 months. Before this period, you should get diapers, newspapers and gradually teach your pet to do business in one place. At first, this process is uncontrollable by the animal. Therefore, you will need to first place the diapers around the perimeter of the room. To make it not so difficult for you, we recommend separating a secluded corner. Fence it with something and leave the baby there. If the kittens have a cat that can go to the litter box, then nothing has to be done. Most likely, the pet will learn on its own, imitating its mother.
In the same case, if you are raising a little pet, follow his regime, habits, proper nutrition and going to the toilet. So, going from a diaper to a tray can be a bit of a challenge. For the kitten, it will be incomprehensible, for the owner – time consuming. But if you now take care of such an important process as going to the toilet, then you can be less worried and worried about the problems that arise. A small kitten may bother you a little more often. Cats can use the litter box 1-3 times a day to go to the toilet. This way you don’t have to clean up a lot. And the fillers can be changed both after 4 days and after a week. It all depends on the type of product that you have chosen.
We teach our pet to go to the toilet
First, you need to choose a convenient litter box that suits your cat. The fact is that their types can be different. In stores, you can find open or closed models (houses, corner), as well as options with a grid. These trays prevent paws from getting dirty. But a lot also depends on the choice of filler. If you have a kitten, we recommend purchasing an inexpensive, low-sided kit first. In the case of a large cat, a permanent litter box can be purchased. When choosing it, consider whether the cat can be accommodated in it. That is, the cat litter should be larger than the pet itself. Another purchase criterion that you need to pay attention to is how comfortable it will be for the cat to enter the litter box. For example, there are models with a lowered side rail.
Knowing how to toilet train your cat makes it much easier to understand the possible questions that may arise. One of these is the choice of filler. Intuitively, before going to the toilet, the cat begins to rummage. Therefore, training to the filler also passes quickly enough. Usually, the owners manage to do this in 1-2 weeks. Yes, you need to tinker a little, but then you can be calm, because the animal will not make a puddle in an unnecessary place. If you find a puddle after forming a habit, it could indicate stress or health problems. Sometimes animals show resentment like that. Also, cats in a new apartment can sometimes behave rather strangely until they adapt to the conditions of the new habitat.
When accustoming your cat to litter, use the following steps:
- Pour some litter into the corner of the litter box so it doesn’t get in the way of your cat’s paws. At this stage, it is also important to choose the right filler and train the cat to it;
- Then, gradually add the product to the tray. But do it so that the cat has room to go to the toilet. The paws may be uncomfortable at first.
Another fun way to train your cat for litter is to let him play with it. Show the product to the kitten before pouring it into the tray. Let him move his paw, “get acquainted” a little with incomprehensible material.
Training your cat to litter is easy, but sometimes you need to be patient. Experts recommend:
- Find a convenient place for the tray;
- Choose a good filler (we pour it in gradually);
- The best times for toilet training are in the morning and after meals. Take the cat to the litter box as soon as he wakes up;
- If you notice that the cat wants to go to the toilet, take it to the litter box. Play with your hand with the filler, let the cat understand that it can be raked;
- It is easier to train a small kitten, but an approach can be found with adult animals;
- If necessary – use special products or napkins with which to wipe the puddles. Put them in the tray, and wash the dirty spot thoroughly.
At first glance, going to the toilet may seem like a very unusual way to train your cat to hygiene standards. But this is another of the possible options for how to keep the house clean. Of course, the toilet should also be comfortable. Interestingly, there are special devices that are located inside the rim of the toilet bowl. The owner will need to show patience, because if the tray is far from the bathroom, you will have to gradually accustom the cat.
Principles of litter training
Communication between humans and animals is very important. And it is not just about sharing positive emotions. Before you and your cat become true friends, you have to establish your contact. You also need to take care of accustoming the kitten to hygiene standards (going to the toilet), feeding at a certain time, deciding on the foods and dishes that your pet likes. Small kittens need to be protected at first, to monitor them in the apartment. Games will also be very useful. The choice of human communication methods affects the subsequent behavior of the pet, its successful upbringing.
In order for your cat to obey you, use the following tips from experienced dog handlers:
- Affectionate communication is a must. The cat will not tolerate an increased tone and, most likely, will be offended by you. Moreover, he may start to nasty. This is how nature works. If you take care of an animal and take it as a pet, you will need to show patience and love;
- Do not yell at the cat if he did the deed in the wrong place. In this case, you need to show a little rigor and say “No”. Then take the kitten to the desired location, such as a tray or diaper. And praise. Of course, you will have to train the cat in this way several times. You can use encouragement;
- Cats know how to be shy. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable for an animal to do things in the presence of a person. Also, make sure that a washing machine, refrigerator, TV do not interfere nearby.